Frequently Asked Questions

Cognitive testing (also called cognitive assessment) is a procedure typically conducted by a psychologist in order to evaluate brain function by objectively testing cognitive domains (e.g., attention, processing speed, language, memory and thinking skills). The assessment can be in the form of paper-and-pencil and/or computer-based tasks where the individual is asked to complete specific exercises. The assessment may vary from a shortened assessment, known as a screen, to a more detailed assessment involving multiple tests and cognitive domains. Typically, a report is generated to illustrate the pattern of strengths and weaknesses. This information is used in important health care areas, such as diagnosis and treatment planning.

Our program is designed to provide a cognitive assessment and report, outlining cognitive strengths and weaknesses and monitoring brain function over time. This information forms the groundwork to promoting brain health today and in the future.

The report can be shared with your doctor and other professionals as an aid to personalizing treatment recommendations, such as cognitive rehabilitation.

Users can also benefit from our recommendations based on their individual cognitive profiles. For example, if someone has lower scores for attention, they could look at the specific recommendation for attention and get some ideas of activities to work on this cognitive area. Of course, this does not preclude someone from also doing memory activities. In fact, it is encouraged for one to diversify their cognitive playing field and engage in multiple brain health tasks.

• Adults interested in promoting their brain health
• Adults who are concerned about their brain functioning
• Adults who have suspected or experienced some forgetfulness/memory problems
• Adults who have suspected or experienced some form of cognitive decline

Immediately after you complete the assessment, you will be prompted to print a report. You can simply view it on your computer screen or print a hard copy. You may also save a copy by selecting "Save As" to save the report on your own computer.

Unless a psychologist advises otherwise, the battery should be completed in the sequence presented.

The full test battery takes between 40 and 50 minutes to complete.

• The Visual Analogue Scales (VAMS) record a range of mood states, feelings and experiences.
• The Finger Tapping Test captures motor speed.
• The Continuous Performance Test measures vigilance and reaction time.
• The Digit Span test measures attention span and working memory.
• The Word List Learning and Memory (WLLM) Test measures immediate and delayed learning and memory.
• The Go/No-Go test assesses inhibition of undesired responses.
• The Stroop test measures cognitive flexibility and disinhibition.
• The Emotion Recognition Test measures recognition of facial affect.

Cogtest Online is a user-friendly computerized battery, and it does not require the user to be proficient with computers. A set of instructions will be presented prior to each test. Then, a practice session will be given, to help familiarize people with the test and ensure that they understand the instructions, before starting the test.

Currently, Cogtest Online is only available in English. Please contact us at info@cogtest.com to inquire about support for other languages.

It is recommended that you have a broadband connection, but the software will run on most dial-up connections as well. However, you may experience a low download speed if you are using a dial-up connection.

In order to ensure the validity of the tests, they must be completed by the person being assessed. Please contact us at info@cogtest.com to inquire about support for people with visual or motor impairments.

The automatically generated report displays your results for each cognitive domain tested. It also indicates how your results compare with the general population.

No. The tests are designed to avoid these types of problems.

As the test battery measures all major cognitive domains, it can help determine the cognitive functioning of the person you intend to hire. It can predict the candidate's performance on tasks where memory, attention, planning or organizing would be required.

Yes, from the file menu you can use "Save As" to save the report.

You can quit any test in the battery by pressing the Exit button. You can launch the test again by using the Test Launcher. You will need to complete the test in one sitting to generate a meaningful result.

Most of the questions measure mood and energy across different levels.

Java software lets you enjoy the best the digital world has to offer, including games and puzzles, sports, chat, email, the arts, financial tools and much more. To see just a little of what it can do, please visit the "For Your Lifestyle" section of Java.com.

The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is what you get when you download Java software. The JRE consists of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Java platform core classes, and supporting Java platform libraries. The JRE is the runtime portion of Java software, which is all you need to run it in your Web browser. When you download Java software, you only get what you need - no spyware, and no viruses. When you download the Sun JRE, you are getting the most up-to-date Java software, which lets you take full advantage of today's most interactive and exciting applications in the digital sphere.

Yes. Java software is available for Windows, Macintosh, Linux and UNIX operating systems. If you are using Windows 95, you cannot use the latest Sun JRE. However, you can use an earlier version of the JRE with some limitation

The Java Virtual Machine is only one aspect of Java software that is involved in web interaction. The Java Virtual Machine is built right into your Java software download, and it helps the Sun JRE run Java applications.

The latest version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) contains updates to previous versions. There might be some applications or applets written and tested against a specific version of the JRE. It is recommended that you keep older versions of the JRE on your system. If you are running low on disk space, you can uninstall older versions of the JRE.

Visit the main Java technology website or you can write to us for complete technical details relating to the Java platform and all of its aspects